The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-02
THE BUSINESS REVIVAL.

The backward spring and unusually cool
the progress of spring trade, and had a some
what depressing effect on business. here and
elsewhere. The indications now point to
settled and warmer weather, and we look for
decided revival of trade, local and general.
The conditions are entirely favorable with
single exception, and it is not likely that will
which goes into effect on the 18th inst, will
undoubtedly result in a temporary disturb
ance of railroad traffic and cause more or less
confusion in business circles. But of this, II
is to be remarked, it is not threatening or
alarming event, like great labor disturbance,
a general strike, or business panic. 1t is a
appearances the railroad companies are dis
posed to construe it fairly, and honestly
abide by its provisions. For that matter.
whether so disposed or not, they will
have to. If they misconstrue the
law the commissioners will set them right,
and if they violate it they will be called to
account But there is nothing alarming in
this new law. It will not destroy property
nor interfere with vested rights 1t will to
some extent modify and change the methods
of doing business, involving new freight
tariffs, new classifcations of merchandise,
ETC., and will, of course, cause some confusion
in business. But with a general Willingness
to obey the law and mutual disposition
the part of railroads and shippers to reach
common understanding as to its operation,
the friction need not be serious nor last long
Business will soon adjust itself to the new
conditions, and if the law is found to bear
down hard in some quarters there will oe an
easing up in others, and after things become
settled, as they will soon, it will doubtless be
found that the general conditions of railroad
traffic are as favorable under the new system
as they were under the old, and perhaps much
more so.
For the rest, the outlook for business is re-
markably good Every section of the country
and every branch of trade shares in the cheer
ing prospect Probably at no time since the
war have all the indications in all portions of
the country seemed to point so clearly to a
general and healthy revival of business. The
march of prosperity embraces every section
of the country, East West, North and South.
and there is no branch of trade but seems to
feel the impulse of better times. There is
hardly city or town in any part of the coun-
try, that has ever done any business, that is
not now claiming ga boom" and, in most
cases, the claim is clearly supported
by facts aud figures. As for Indianap-
oils, her sails are set and are filing
with the breeze. The outlook for
a prosperous year and for a series
of them never was better. The business of
the city is in remarkably healthy condition,
and there are unmistakable signs of revival
of trade. Indianapolis is not "a whipped
city," She got black eye and hard fall,
but she has fully recovered from her injuries,
and is prepared to do more and better work
now than ever The indications are that this
year will be one of the most genuinely pros
porous in the city's history. Not that it is
expected to witness the Inauguration of a
real estate craze or speculative era Heaven
forbid The city has had enough of that.
But the prospect is exceedingly good for a
year of healthy activity, general prosperity,
| and solid, substantial progress.